The UN Convention on the
Rights of the child is an international treaty that sets out universally
accepted rights for children. It is a benchmark against which a nation's
treatment of its children can be measured. It brings together in one
comprehensive code the benefits and protection for children hitherto scattered in a

variety of other agreements, including the Declaration of the
Rights of the Child adopted in 1959.

The Convention was
officially approved by the United Nations in 1989 and has been ratified by
almost every country in the world. Ratification of the Convention is a
commitment by "States Parties" to comply with the articles of the Convention
and thereby to protect and enhance the basic rights of children through
their policies, programs and services.

Article 31 of the UN Convention

That every child has the
right to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities
appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural
life and the arts.

That member governments
shall respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in
cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate
and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure
activity.

Indivisibility of Convention Articles

One of the greatest
strengths of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is that all
articles of the Convention are inter-related and indivisible. Articles other
than 31 have direct implications for children's play. For example, article 3
states that, in all actions concerning children, the best interests of the
child shall be a primary consideration; article 12 gives the child the right

to express his/her views freely and have them considered.

The Convention also states
that education should be directed to a broad range of developmental areas,
including the child's personality, talents, and mental and physical
abilities (article 29). Play and recreation activities can play a
significant role in fulfilling the child's right to "the highest attainable
standard of health" and to "preventive health care", as set out in article
24. Article 23 gives children with disabilities the right to recreation and
the fullest possible social integration and individual development.

Article 30 states that
children of ethno-cultural minorities, or of indigenous origin, have the
right to enjoy their own culture, which would include their own forms of
play/recreation. Article 19 is also relevant to play and recreation in that
it aims to prevent child abuse and childhood injury. Adults have a
responsibility to ensure that children have safe environments and materials
for their leisure activities. These are just a few examples of the relevance
of the Convention to children's play.

The Role of IPA

In 1971 IPA agreed that it
would be important for the organization to work in co-operation with UN
organizations. IPA is recognized by ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) and
UNICEF, and work in agreement with their principles. These organizations
give context to our work, as follows:

Our focus on human rights,
specifically the child's right to play as stated in the UN Declaration of the
Rights of the Child, and now embodied in the Convention on the Rights of the
Child.

Our feeling of solidarity
with children all over the world.

Our involvement in peace
education. IPA has been appointed as a Messenger of Peace by the United Nations.

Our commitment to the
development of each individual to the maximum of their potential, the
protection and enhancement of their culture, and the importance of the
family and community.

In 1977 IPA developed the
IPA Declaration on the Child's Right to Play. This document amplifies
Article 31 by proposing policy actions within the normal sectors of
government with a responsibility for children's play and recreation.